Implementation of the new structure did not produce the intended results and as a result,  a task force was constituted to review the structure of the Ministry and make  recommendations aimed at enhancing the performance of the Ministry.

Given the need to enhance development planning, His Excellence President Levy Mwanawasa SC re-named the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development as Ministry of Finance and National Planning during his inauguration ceremony in January, 2002 and directed that a Transitional National Development Plan be formulated. This Presidential guidance was intended to augment national planning as the conduit of Economic management of Zambia.

By virtue of its central role in national planning, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning is critical in ensuring that the strategic vision of the Public Service is attained through timely mobilization, disbursement and control of resources for smooth operations of Ministries Provinces and Spending Agencies.

The Secretary to the Treasury, supported by the Permanent Secretary [Financial  Management and Administration] and the Permanent Secretary [Budget and Economic Affairs] is responsible for ensuring that the Ministry of Finance and National Planning achieves the core objectives of the mission statement. The two Permanent Secretaries  are, therefore, each in charge of the two divisions of the Ministry i.e. Budget and Economic Affairs and Financial Management and Administration.

However, since the initial restructuring of the Ministry in 1996, a number of developments that have a bearing on the performance of the Ministry and implications on its operations have taken place. The Ministry’s strategic plan necessitated the development of performance improvement strategies that culminated in formulation of the mission  statement for the Ministry.

Mission Statement
The mission statement for the Ministry of Finance and National Planning is;
 “To effectively and efficiently coordinate National Planning and Economic  Management, mobilise and manage public financial and economic resources in a transparent and accountable manner for sustainable National Development and the well being of the people of Zambia.”

This mission statement targets at achieving sustainable performance levels in resource  mobilisation and management of public financial and economic resources for the benefit of the people of Zambia.

Goal Statement
In support of the mission and to give MOFNP a specific focus and direction, the Ministry aims at meeting the following goal:-

“Facilitating and ensuring the transformation of the national economy into an efficient and wealth creating economy in order to improve the quality of life of the people of Zambia.”
 
Through this goal, MOFNP will transform the economy and create wealth in order to reduce the high levels of poverty among the people of Zambia.